This afternoon, the Senate will begin debate on the DISCLOSE Act, a bill that would tighten campaign spending disclosure rules for corporations and unions, and limit which corporations are able to spend money to influence elections. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill tomorrow.

Marge Baker, Executive Vice President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:

“The DISCLOSE Act is far from perfect, but it’s a necessary and urgent step in the right direction. It softens some of the worst effects of Citizens United by requiring prompt and full disclosure of corporate campaign expenditures, and preventing pay-for-play deals for government contractors and TARP fund recipients. In the long run, the only way to fully undo the damage of the Citizens United decision is to amend the Constitution to keep corporate money out of elections. But in the meantime, Americans deserve at least to know which special interests are buying their way into the political process.

“It’s astounding that Republicans are attempting to block a common-sense measure to make elections more open and honest. Their stubborn defense of corporate interests over the rights of voters is the perfect illustration of why we need this bill.”

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